Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

When I was a little girl, we spent many of our Thanksgiving holidays in Terre Haute, Indiana. My parents grew up there and most of the family still lives there! At that time, the song below was fitting! My sisters and I would sing this song as we drove through Illinois and over the Wabash River before arriving in Indiana.

Not so much anymore though. I don't remember what year it was when we drove to Terre Haute to celebrate Thanksgiving and no one was in town except for my Grandma & Grandpa Williams. That was the last year we have been to Terre Haute for Thanksgiving. My parents started hosting Turkey Day and all extended family know they are welcome to join us in Glen Carbon. Sometimes the house is full and somtimes we just have our immediate family. Nonetheless, it is always an enjoyable day to spend with family; cooking, cleaning dishes, and enjoying the lovely feast we prepare.

I hope everyone enjoyed the day with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Cheers,
Holly
www.smart-central.com/.../overtheriver.htm


This Thanksgiving song originally appeared as a poem written by Lydia Maria Child in Flowers for Children, volume 2, in 1844. Lydia Maria Child was a novelist, journalist, teacher, and wrote extensively about the need to eliminate slavery.


Over the river, and through the wood,To Grandmother's house we go;
The horse knows the way to carry the sleighthrough the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood -Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the noseAs over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,To have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring, "Ting-a-ling-ding",Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!


Over the river, and through the woodTrot fast, my dapple-gray!
Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound,For this is Thanksgiving Day.


Over the river, and through the wood -And straight through the barnyard gate,
We seem to go extremely slow,It is so hard to wait!


Over the river, and through the wood -Now Grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

we had a great Thanksgiving and hope you did too!

Tasha Roe said...

we missed out on the williams' turkey day celebrations this year. i miss grandma charlotte's noodles and sweet potato casserole.